Article 263 of the Indian Constitution allows for the establishment of an Inter-State Council to improve coordination between the states and between the Centre and the states. The President can establish such a council whenever it is deemed necessary in the public interest.
Establishment of Inter-State Council
- Sarkaria Commission Recommendation: The Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983–88) recommended establishing a permanent Inter-State Council under Article 263.
- Formation in 1990: Based on the Sarkaria Commission's recommendations, the Inter-State Council was established in 1990 by the Janata Dal Government led by V. P. Singh.
Membership:
- Chairman: Prime Minister
- Chief Ministers: Chief ministers of all the states.
- UT Representation:
i) Chief ministers of union territories with legislative assemblies.
ii) Administrators of union territories without legislative assemblies.
- Governors: Governors of states under President’s rule.
- Central Ministers: Six central cabinet ministers, including the home minister, nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Permanent Invitees: Five ministers of Cabinet rank or Minister of State (independent charge) nominated by the Prime Minister.
Role and Functions:
- Recommendations: Make recommendations for better coordination of policy and action between the Centre, states, and union territories.
- Deliberation: Discuss issues of common interest to the Centre and states, as well as any matters referred by the chairman.
- Meetings: Meets at least three times a year, usually held in private.
- Decision-Making: Decisions are made by consensus.
64th BPSC
Q. In which one of the following years was Sarkaria Commission, which was empowered to recommend changes in Centre-State relations submitted its report?
A. 1985
B. 1988
C. 1990
D. 1992